Ventura County anti-terrorism funds cut by 60 percent

Members of the Ventura County Fire Department are seen in this file photo. (Ventura County Fire Department)

May 22, 2011 12:00:00 AM PDT

VENTURA, Calif. --

Federal funding for Ventura County programs to prepare for natural hazards and acts of terrorism were cut by 60 percent, according to the county sheriff's department.

Since 2001, Ventura County has received more than $22 million for police, fire, medical and emergency services to increase response capabilities.

The funds helped the county and cities acquire specialized equipment and fund training, planning and exercises focused on disaster preparedness.

Among the programs and services affected are intelligence gathering, community emergency training, urban search and rescue, emergency operations centers and public education.

"The 60 percent is going to be devastating," said Susan Dueñas, a sheriff's department administrator for the Homeland Security grant program, in a statement. "Over the last 10 years, I have seen a very positive impact these funds have had on helping us to maintain and expand our response capabilities. We will have some very difficult decisions to make with how we invest the small amount of funding we will be getting this year."